The mysterious debut of Luna the personal robot

Ah, the personal robot. While flying cars and jetpacks are now here – for some people – we still don't have robots that help us out around the house. However, maybe we soon could. This week, California's RoboDynamics introduced its Luna personal robot to the world. While the company currently isn't providing too much other information, her(?) makers are calling Luna "a breakthrough in robot design."

Luna was designed for RoboDynamics by SchultzeWORKS, an industrial design studio also based out of California. The robot incorporates the hardware, firmware, and drive train already used in RoboDynamics' Telepresence internet-connected Low-cost Robot (TiLR).

According to the press release, Luna is the world's first personal robot to be expandable via expansion ports, fully programmable with open standards, and affordable. No further specifics are provided on hardware, software, or just what it is that she could do for you, although she does apparently have a carrying handle in the back, and unarticulated pipe-like arms that can swing up to carry a tray.

IEEE Spectrum, however, states that Luna has a Dual Core Atom 2 GHz processor, a Linux-based operating system, and up to 32 GB of storage. Interaction is possible via an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen, a three-microphone array with speakers, wireless and cellular communication, an 8-megapixel camera, and a 3D sensor. She runs on a 12-volt battery, for 4-8 hours per charge.

The IEEE website also reports a projected price of just US$1,000, although the first models (which should ship later this year) will go for $3,000.

We'll let you know when more information comes our way. In the meantime, you can see Luna in action, in the rather rustic video below.